Dr. Mikki L. Sherwood Biggs

INTRODUCTION

My EIU Story

Optional Credentials:

Gateways to Opportunity Early Childhood Credentials – registry member 2003-present

Diplomate, American Board of Sexology, 2022-present

Youth Mental Health 1st Aid Trainer

Education & Training

PhD, School of Education, Early Childhood Education/Child Psychology concentration, Indiana State University, 2002

Dissertation: White Teachers, White Children, White Schools: Multiculturalism in Geographically Homogeneous Communities (under Michelle L. Meadows)

MS, Family and Consumer Sciences, Eastern Illinois University, 1997

            Thesis: Computer Use, Exposure and Experience, and Gender Issues among Preschool Children (under Meadows)

BA, Board of Governors, Eastern Illinois University, 1996

Personal/Professional Enrichment: 

Safe Zone

Race, Gender, and Workplace Equity Professional Certificate – CatalystX through EdX – in progress

• Unconscious Bias: From Awareness to Action
• Communication Skills for Dialoging Across Differences
• Facing Racism and Emotional Tax in the Workplace
• Understanding Gender Equity

Happiness at Work Professional Certificate – BerkleyX through EdX – February 2022

• Foundations of Happiness at Work
• Mindfulness and Resiliency to Stress at Work
• Empathy and Emotional Intelligence at Work

The Science and Practice of Yoga – UT Arlington through EdX – Spring 2020

Social Work: Practice, Policy and Research Micro-Masters University of Michigan through EdX – Fall 2018

• Social Welfare: Policy and Services
• Social Work Practice in Community Organization, Management and Policy/Evaluation
• Diversity and Social Justice in Social Work
• Social Work Practice: Advocating Social Justice and Change
• Social Work Practice with Individuals, Families and Small Groups
• Social Work Research

State of Illinois Granting Writing online course, October 2016

Illinois State Food Sanitation Production Management Certification, 2015, 2020

Framework for Understanding Poverty Training, April 2009

Conference Presentations

Freshman Orientation sessions Summer 2023, presentation entitled Navigating the College Classroom

Illinois Council on Family Relations Annual Conference March 2023, poster presentation entitled Proferssionalism in the Digital Age: Managing Your Online Identity in the New Normal

Illinois Council on Family Relations Annual Conference March 2023, poster presentation with Julie Harper entitiled Gender Role Development in Young Children

Illinois Council on Family Relations Annual Conference March 2023, poster presentation with graduate student Bailey Schumacher entitiled Addressing Death and Dying in Young Children

Illinois Council on Family Relations Annual Conference March 2022, presentation with graduate student Ruby Amanda Oboro-Offerie entitled The Transgender Population: Expanding Access to Services

Illinois Council on Family Relations Annual Conference, April 2019, presentation with graduate student Dora Tandoh entitled Forming Communities of Support: Intergenerational Relationships in the LGBTQ Population

Court Appointed State Advocate (CASA) State Conference, April 2019, presentation with graduate student Dora Tandoh entitled The LGBTQ Population: Expanding Access to Services

Gateways to Opportunity Higher Education Forum, April 2019, presentation entitled Cultivating Social Competence in Young Children: Purposeful Guidance Techniques to Help Children Manage Conflict with Peers

Illinois Council on Family Relations Annual Conference, April 2018, presentation with graduate student Sarah Dodoo entitled Behind the Scenes: The Brooke Ellison Story

Illinois Council on Family Relations Annual Conference, April 2018, presentation with graduate student Kaycee Lewis entitled Children Need Men Too! Supporting Resiliency in Young Children through Relationships with Male Caregivers

Opening Minds Annual Conference, February 2018, presentation entitled Building Social Resilience in Young Children: Purposeful Guidance Techniques to Address Bullying and Develop Resiliency in Early Childhood

Illinois Association of Family & Consumer Sciences, October 2017, presentation entitled Building Social Resilience in Young Children: Purposeful Guidance Techniques to Address Bullying and Develop Resiliency in Early Childhood

Eastern Illinois University Graduate Student Advisory Committee invited speaker, May 2017, Your Electronic Footprint

Family, Career and Community Leaders (FCCLA) Annual Meeting, November 2016, interactive presentation and exhibit entitled making your Passion your Profession: Using FCCLA to Prepare for your Future

Eastern Illinois University Student Research and Creative Discovery Conference, Spring 2016, faculty mentor for Resa Ware’s (EIU Graduate Student) presentation The Impact of Social Media on the Grieving Process

Student Association of Family & Consumer Sciences Membership Meeting, March 2016, presentation entitled Digital Tattoos: You are what you Post

Eastern Illinois University recruitment events as needed Spring 2016-present, presentation entitled Academic Highlights: A Professor's Perspective

EIU panel on women’s reproductive rights; screening “No Mas Bebes,” January, 2016

Family, Career and Community Leaders (FCCLA) Annual Meeting, November 2015, presentation and exhibit entitled Experiential Learning: What is it? Why is it Important?

National Council on Family Relations Annual Conference, November 2015, poster presentation with Elissa Mitchell, Jill Bowers, Dina Izenstark (University of Illinois) entitled Developing Emerging Adults’ Career Skills: A Participatory Approach

BVC Bullying Conference at Eastern Illinois University, October 2015, presentation with Frances Murphy entitled Building Social Resilience in Young Children

American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences Annual Conference, June 2015, presentation with Melanie Burns and Lisa Moyer entitled Putting Research into Practice Using Social Media to Connect: That is a ‘Like’

Illinois Council on Family Relations Annual Conference, April 2015, presentation with Christina Dagenais (EIU graduate student) entitled I’m Not Dead Yet! Older Adults and Sexuality

EIU Undergraduate Showcase, March 2015, poster presentation with Meg Borah (EIU undergraduate student) entitled Introducing FCS to University Students Using Technology

Illinois Association of Family & Consumer Sciences Annual Conference, March 2015, presentation with Christina Dagenais (EIU graduate student) entitled I’m Not Dead Yet! Older Adults and Sexuality

American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences Annual Conference, June 2014, presentation with Jill Bowers and Melanie Burns entitled Using Participatory Research to Develop Online Program to Help FCS College Students with Career Skills

American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences Annual Conference, June 2014, presentation with Jill Bowers, Melanie Burns, and Dina Izenstark entitled An Exploration Evaluation of an Online Program to Help FCS College Students with Career Skills

American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences Professional Development Webinar, November 2013, presentation with Jill Bowers entitled Career Skillet: Engaging Youth in career Skills and FCS Career Opportunities

Illinois Association of Family & Consumer Sciences Annual Conference, October 2013, presentation with Jill Bowers entitled Career Skillet: Using Technology to Engage Youth in FCS

American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance, April 2013, presentation with Amanda Woolard, Misty Rhodes and Lisa Taylor entitled Frequency, Attitudes, and Beliefs of Sexting among College Students

American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences, July 2012, presentation with Kathleen O’Rourke, Lisa Taylor and Sharon Lewis Examination of Cyber Bullying and Relational Aggression among High School Students

National Council on Family Relations Annual Conference, November 2011, presider Fathering in Context

Eastern Illinois University, November 2011, presentation entitled Motivate, Take a Break and Evaluate

A Futuristic Look through Ancient Lenses: A Symposium on Ancient Egypt, October 2011, presentation with Frances Murphy entitled Contrasts between Experiences of Ancient Egyptian Children and Contemporary Families

Dealing with Diversity Institute, May 2011, moderator Countering Fear through Meditation, Visualization and Yoga

Association for Childhood Education International Annual Conference, April 2011, presentation entitled Encouraging Male Involvement in Early Childhood Programs

Illinois Association of Family & Consumer Sciences Annual Meeting, March 2011, presentation with Jill Bowers entitled Encouraging Male Participation in the Lives of Young Children - Personally and Professionally

American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences webinar, February 2011, Encouraging Male Involvement in Early Childhood, Parenting and FCS

National Association for the Education of Young Children Annual Meeting, November 2010, pre-conference workshop with Jill Bowers entitled Encouraging Male Involvement in Early Childhood Environments

5th International Conference on Social Science Research, September 2010, presentation with Jill Bowers entitled Encouraging Male Participation in the Lives of Young Children Both Personally and Professionally

American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences Annual Meeting, June 2010, presentation with Jill Bowers entitled Encouraging Male Involvement in the Lives of Young Children: Strategies for Personal and Professional Connections

Indiana Association for the Education of Young Children Annual Conference, April 2010, presentation with Jill Bowers entitled Encouraging Male Involvement in Early Childhood Programs

Indiana Association for the Education of Young Children Annual Conference, April 2010, presentation with Marcie Curry entitled The Caregivers Role in Working with Gay and Lesbian Families

Illinois Council on Family Relations Annual Conference, March 2010, presentation with Sharon Lewis entitled I’m Not Dead Yet! Sexuality and Older Adults

Student Association for the Education of Young Children invited speaker educational event, EIU, October 2009, presentation entitled Children Dealing with Stress and Grief

Ounce of Prevention Head Start Pre-Service Conference, Chicago, August 2009, presentation with Jill Bowers entitled Encouraging Male Involvement in Early Childhood Programs

Illinois Council on Family Relations, Bloomington, April 2009, presentation with Lisa Taylor entitled Sexual Health Should not be Taboo!  Learning about Anatomy and Physiology through Game Play

EIUnity Diversity Conference 2009, EIU, February 2009, presentation entitled Blinded by the White: Race & Culture in Daily Life

EIUnity Diversity Conference 2009, EIU, February 2009, presentation with Lisa Taylor entitled Using Experiential Activities to Facilitate Conversations on Diversity

National Association for the Education of Young Children Annual Conference Learning Galleria, Dallas, November 2008, poster presentation entitled Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered Families: The Caregiver’s Role in Developing Healthy Relationships

National Association for Family Child Care National Conference, Chicago, July 2008, presentation entitled The Caregiver’s Role in Working with Gay and Lesbian Families

Chicago Metro Association for the Education of Young Children Annual Conference, Chicago, January 2008 presentation entitled Working with Gay and Lesbian Families: The Caregiver’s Role

Family, Career and Community Leaders of America State Leadership Meeting, EIU, October 2007 presentation entitled Your Online Image

American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences National Conference, Reno, NV June 2007 presentation entitled Developing Cultural Competence among Children in Non-Diverse Environments

National Association of Multicultural Education International Conference, Phoenix, AR November 2006 presentation entitled Multicultural Play Opportunities for Predominately White Preschool Children

California Association for the Education of Young Children state conference, Anaheim, CA April 2006 presentation entitled Young Children and Sexuality: Understanding Appropriate Sexual Development and How to Manage Behavior in the Care Environment

Academic Chairpersons National Conference, Orlando, FL February 2006 presentation entitled Blinded by the White: Attracting and Retaining a Diverse Faculty

Illinois Council on Family Relations Annual Conference, DeKalb, IL March 2006 presentation entitled Young Children and Sexuality

National Association for the Education of Young Children, Washington, DC December 2005 presentation entitled Yes! You Can Use Technology in an Authentic Manner in an Early Childhood Program

22^nd International World Association for Case Method Research and Application, Brno, Czech Republic, July 2005 presentation with Pat McCallister and Linda Simpson entitled Changing Technology and its Impact on Families and Consumers in a Global Society

Illinois Council on Family Relations Annual Conference, Charleston, IL April 2005 presentation entitled The Elderly Population and Technology

Indiana Association for the Education of Young Children Annual Conference, Indianapolis, IN, March 2005 Invited Featured Speaker presentations entitled Young Children and Sexuality: Understanding Appropriate Sexual Development and How to Manage Behavior in the Care Environment; Using Children’s Literature to Introduce Multiculturalism to Predominately White Environments; and Children, Stress, and Grief: Navigating Loss

Midwest Education and Technology Conference, St. Louis, MO February 2005 presentation with Frances Murphy, Michael Hoadley and Michael Babcock entitled Yes!!  You Can Use Technology in Early Childhood Education 

Eastern Illinois University, School of Family & Consumer Sciences Retention, Recruitment and Diversity Information Series, Charleston, IL February 2005 presentation with Bob Butts entitled The Civil Rights Movement: An Insider’s Perspective

Agri-Fab Proto Tykes Day Care Center Training Session, Sullivan, IL, January 2005 in-service presentation entitled Encouraging Male Involvement in Early Childhood Education Programs

Academy for Creative Teaching and World Association for Case Method Research and Application Eighth Creative Teaching Conference, San Juan, Puerto Rico, January 2005 presentation with Pat McCallister and Linda Simpson entitled The Wild Card: An Innovative Tool for Diverse Settings

Chicago Metro Association for the Education of Young Children Annual Conference, Chicago, IL, January 2005 presentation entitled Using Children’s Literature to Introduce Multiculturalism to Predominately White Environments

National Association for the Education of Young Children Annual Conference, Anaheim, CA, November 2004 accepted presentation entitled Young Children and Sexuality: Understanding Appropriate Sexual Development and How to Manage Behavior in the Care Environment

National Association for the Education of Young Children Annual Conference, Anaheim, CA, November 2004 accepted presentation with Joohi Lee entitled Do Kindergarten Teachers' Attitudes toward Mathematics Matter to Implement Mathematics Education?

E-Learn World Conference on E-Learning in Corporate, Government, Healthcare & Higher Education, Washington, DC, November 2004, accepted presentation with Pat McCallister and Linda Simpson entitled Technology & Change: Exploring the Impact of Technology on Consumers and Families

Illinois Association for the Education of Young Children Annual Conference, Peoria, IL, October 2004 accepted presentation entitled Young Children and Sexual Development

American Association of Family & Consumer Sciences Annual Convention, San Diego, CA, June 2004 presentation with Linda Simpson and Pat McCallister entitled Change: The Impact of Technology on Families and Consumers

Dealing with Diversity Summer Institute, Macomb, IL, May 2004 panel moderator for Heterosexual Privilege from a Gay Perspective

Indiana Association for the Education of Young Children Annual Conference, Indianapolis, Indiana presentation entitled Using Children’s Literature to Introduce Multiculturalism to Predominately White Environments

Illinois Council on Family Relations Annual Conference, Charleston, Illinois March 2004 presentation with Pat McCallister and Linda Simpson entitled Technology: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly  

Illinois Association of Family and Consumer Sciences Annual Conference, Hoffman Estates, IL, November 2003, developed a poster presentation with Linda Simpson and Pat McCallister entitled Technology and Us: Impact on Families and Consumers

National Association for the Education of Young Children Annual Conference, Chicago, Illinois, November 2003 presentation entitled Using Dramatic Play to Introduce Diversity to Predominately White Classrooms

American Education Research Association Annual Meeting, Chicago, Illinois, April 2003 presentation entitled White Teachers, White Children, White Schools: Multiculturalism in Geographically Homogeneous Communities

Midwest Association for the Education of Young Children Annual Conference, Peoria, Illinois April 2003 presentation entitled Using Dramatic Play to Introduce Diversity to Predominately White Classrooms

Embarrass River Basin Agency Head Start Fair, Mattoon, Illinois March 2003 presentation entitled Using Dramatic Play to Introduce Diversity to Predominately White Classrooms

Indiana Association for the Education of Young Children Annual Conference, Indianapolis, Indiana March 2003 presentation entitled Addressing the Challenge of Multicultural Education in Predominately White Environments

Indiana Association for the Education of Young Children Annual Conference, Indianapolis, Indiana March 2003 presentation with Joohi Lee entitled Math Tables with Patterns

National Association for the Education of Young Children Annual Conference, New York City November 2002 presentation with Joohi Lee and Karen Liu entitled White Professionals, White Children, White Communities: The Role of Multiculturalism in Geographically Homogeneous Environments

National Association of Multicultural Education International Conference, Washington, DC October 2002 presentation with Joohi Lee and Karen Liu entitled White Teachers, White Children, White Schools: Multiculturalism in Geographically Homogeneous Communities

National Association of Multicultural Education International Conference, Washington, DC October 2002 presentation with Joohi Lee and Karen Liu entitled Yes, I Know How to Implement Multicultural Education in my Curriculum

Illinois Association for the Education of Young Children Annual Conference, Springfield, Illinois October 2002 presentation entitled White Teachers, White Children, White Schools: Multiculturalism in Geographically Homogeneous Communities

Illinois Association for the Education of Young Children Annual Conference, Springfield, Illinois October 2002 presentation entitled Multiculturalism in Predominately White Communities

Invited speaker ELED 442/552 Cultural and Ethnic Awareness, Indiana State University Summer 2002 The Use of Technology in Multicultural Education

Dealing With Diversity Summer Institute, Western Illinois University May 2002 presentation entitled White Teachers, White Children, White Schools: Multiculturalism in Geographically Homogeneous Communities

Eastern Illinois University Technology Fair, April 2002 with Frances Murphy booth Head Start Children Utilize Computers & Technology

School of Family and Consumer Sciences Child Development Laboratories Parent Meeting, Eastern Illinois University April 2002 invited speaker Young Children and Sexual Development

Midwest Association for the Education of Young Children Annual Conference, Milwaukee, Wisconsin April 2002 presentation entitled White Teachers, White Children, White Schools: Multiculturalism in Geographically Homogeneous Communities

Embarrass River Basin Agency Head Start Parent Fair, Toledo, Illinois April 2002 invited speaker Sexuality: What’s Appropriate and What’s Not for our Preschoolers

Midwest Education Technology Conference, St. Louis, Missouri January 2002 presentation entitled Using Technology in Early Childhood Environments to Strengthen Cultural Connections with Frances Murphy

Illinois Association of Teacher Educators, Eastern Illinois University November 2001 presentation entitled Multicultural Education and White Teachers, White Schools, and White Communities

Illinois Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, Bloomington, Illinois November 2001 presentation entitled White Teachers, White Schools, and Multicultural Education

National Educational Computing Conference, Chicago, Illinois June 2001 presentation with Frances Murphy entitled Using Technology in Early Childhood Environments to Strengthen Cultural Connections

Illinois Association of Family and Consumer Sciences Spring 2001 Meeting, Eastern Illinois University technology demonstration with Frances Murphy entitled Using Technology in Early Childhood Environments to Enhance Children's Learning

Invited speaker ELED 442/552 Cultural and Ethnic Awareness, Indiana State University Spring 2001 The Use of Technology in Multicultural Education

Illinois Council on Family Relations Annual Conference, Monticello, Illinois March 2001 presentation entitled Gay or Lesbian Families: The Teacher or Caregiver's Role

Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education International Conference, Orlando, Florida March 2001 poster presentation entitled Using Technology in Early Childhood Environments to Strengthen Cultural Connections

National Association for the Education of Young Children Annual Conference, Atlanta, Georgia  November, 2000 presentation with Dr. Karen Liu and Carol Turner entitled Transforming Teachers, Transforming Curriculum:  Rethinking Diversity and Pedagogy  

Illinois Association for the Education of Young Children Statewide Conference, Peoria, Illinois October, 2000, presentation entitled Technology as a Tool for Strengthening Home-School-Community Connections

Invited speaker ELED 442/552 Cultural and Ethnic Awareness, Indiana State University Fall 2000 The Use of Technology in Multicultural Education

Invited panelist on WEIU televised presentation in response to Bill Moyers’ On Our Own Terms, September 2000

Produced a multimedia presentation with Bob Butts March 2000 entitled The Civil Rights Movement of the 1960’s: A Personal Perspective

Wesley United Methodist Church, Charleston, Illinois April 2001

Casey United Methodist Church, Casey, Illinois March 2001

Eastern Illinois University presentation to celebrate African American History Month February 2001

Illinois Council on Family Relations Annual Conference, Monticello, Illinois March 2000

Produced a multimedia presentation with David D. Biggs February 2000 Artifacts of Illinois Prehistory: A Quest for Understanding for presentation at the Illinois Council on Family Relations Annual Conference March 2001

West Vigo Elementary School, West Terre Haute, Indiana January 2000 In-service training program Using Technology in Early Childhood Environments

American Association of University Women, Mattoon, Illinois invited speaker with Frances Murphy presentation entitled Boys

Winterfest - 99: Communities of Learning: Fostering Pedagogies in Practice, Indiana State University Spring 1999 presentation with Dr. Karen Liu entitled From the Contribution Approach to the Transformation Approach: The Process of Change from a Student’s Perspective

Fifth’s Women’s Studies Symposium, Purdue University March 1998 presentation entitled Computer Use, Exposure and Experience, and Gender Issues Among Preschool Children

Illinois Council on Family Relations Annual Conference, Moline, Illinois March 1998 presentation entitled Computer Use, Exposure and Experience, and Gender Issues Among Preschool Children

Illinois Council on Family Relations Annual Conference, Moline, Illinois March 1998 invited panelist Mentors in our Lives

Illinois Council on Family Relations Annual Conference, Monticello, Illinois March 1997 presentation entitled Young Children and Computers

Illinois Council on Family Relations Annual Conference, Monticello, Illinois April 1996 presentation entitled Child Abduction and Abuse Programs: Factors to Consider

Funding & Grants

ECACE Scholarship/Degree Program (coordinator of departmental grant funded program), 2022

School of Family & Consumer Sciences Winkleblack Grant, 2009 (2), 2010, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018

Eastern Illinois University Faculty Development Support Grant, 2008, 2015

Gateways for Opportunity Professional Development Grant, 2014

Eastern Illinois University Redden Fund Grant, 2008, 2013

Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies Professional Development Grant, Fall 2007

Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies Accreditation Grant both Spring and Fall of 2006

Illinois State Quality Counts Spring 2005

Eastern Illinois University Technology Enhancement and Management (TEAM) Grant, Spring 2005

Eastern Illinois University Technology Enhancement and Management (TEAM) Grant, Spring 2004

Eastern Illinois University Redden Grant, with Michelle Morgan, Summer 2003

Indiana State University Graduate Research Grant, Fall 2001 and Spring 2002

Great Lakes Head Start Quality Network Grant, November, 2001

Technology Enhanced and Delivered Education Grant, February, 2001

Instructional Technology Enhancement Grant with Frances Murphy and Lisa Dallas, December 2000

Instructional Technology Enhancement Grant with Frances Murphy and Lisa Dallas, Eastern Illinois University, December 1998

Frequently Taught Courses

HSL 1800 Human Development

HSL 2820 Family Relationships

HSL 2850 Child Development

HSL 3220 Introduction to Early Childhood programming

HSL 3800 Sexuality Education

HSL 3831 Women in Contemporary Society

HSL 3853 Child Development Practicum

HSL 4200 Orientation to Internship

HSL 4220 Administration of Early Childhood Programs

HSL 4225 Practicum in Early Childhood Administration

HSL 4240 Family Advocacy, Policy, and Law

HSL 4275 Internship

HSL 4820 Death and Dying

HSL 4850 Human Services Programs: Community, Culture, Intersectionality

HSL 4854 Leadership in Family Life Education

HSL 4859 Administration of Human Services Programming

HSL 4860 Addiction and the Family

HSL 5460 Issues and Trends

HSL 5846 Public Policy and Grant Writing for Human Services Professionals

HSL 5850 Theories of Human Development and Family Life

HSL 5852 Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood

Supervised graduate and undergraduate internships, independent studies, and theses

Professional Affiliations

Illinois Council on Family Relations

• Conference Chair: 2023
• President: 2022 - present
• Executive Council member – intermittently 1996-present
• Past: President, Conference Chair, Awards Committee

National Association for the Education of Young Children (lifetime member)

National Council on Family Relations

Academic Positions

• Professor, Department of Human Services
• Coordinator, Human Services Early Childhood Programs
• Allied Faculty, Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
  Department of Human Services
• Advisor, Human Services Department Ambassador RSO

Office Hours

Summer Office Hours (face-to-face or through Zoom):

• Tuesdays 6-8pm
• by appointment

I can be found in 2020 Klehm Hall or reached at mlsherwood@eiu.edu.